Social Security.

[NoMoMeth4me]

I first posted this exact subject in the chronic pain couch forum earlier but also thought it might be helpful to post it here as well.

I'm posting this for the simple reason that many people have questions/concerns about it and questions invariably keep cropping up.
I for one do not receive social security benefits but will probably be applying for them at some point in the next few years I would imagine.

I'm looking for people's SSDI 'stories' if anyone feels comfortable sharing. This information will be very helpful to a lot of people and I thank anyone in advance for responding to this post.

I think it's important to hear both positive and negative experiences with the process of having to apply for benefits, I have heard both from others on this board.


Looking forward to everyone's responses.

Kind regards.

-Brian.

[concerned621]

Another thing that can be helpful is counseling. I have a good one who herself has chronic pain. Somebody with that experience can help you make those tough decisions.  I use to have a great career. I made great money, worked 12 hours per day, commuted 2 hours a day.  Traveled for work. I loved what I did.  It was a car accident in 2003 that stopped me in my tracks and made me start to deal with the fact that I had chronic pain and I had been pushing through my life acting like I didn't. I too had that same thought, that I wouldn't live a long life.  I didn't feel my body had the life energy to do so.  I am here to tell you can reverse that.  Lifestyle changes can really help with that. I got serious not only about how I was pushing myself but about foods, supplements. I didn't get obsessed with any of it because there are some days I'm in so much pain I am lucky to eat. But I take iodine, essential enzymes, astragalus, grapefruit seed extract and I drink a ton of water. About 6 months ago I had been over weight. I joined a gym, got in the water. Initially I could walk 5 minutes only. Then 15 minutes, now I am up to 40-50. I still walk, but I use every muscle I can to walk and I do some sit ups a physical therapist showed me to do in the water. I've lost 21 pounds, my energy has increased. I also sit in the sauna for 12 minutes. Being in the water and sauna I am usually some what pain free. Now within 2 hours my pain is back. But I feel confident and like Annette again.  Some part of my life is mine again.  I meet so many chronic pain people at the pool, some in the their 70's some in their 20's.  Talking helps so much.  And there are a lot of men there.  Putting yourself out there is wonderful, being on Medhelp is an excellent step. I am sure it's harder on you being a man.  I can't imagine.  And being on here you can be sure you will have so many prayers and definitely mine.  So please know there is a future for you.  Disability is an option and so is reduced work hours.  If you don't have a good doctor, get established. If you will need to go out on disability you need a strong relationship with your doctors, PT, massage therapists etc.  Everything you say will count.  In addition keep a journal. Even if it's the date, and your pain levels for that day.  Make sure emails, journals on here are consistent.  Your life will be an open book if you apply for disability.  Counseling should never be viewed as a weak thing, if you are feeling defeated about the future I recommend it. Ask specifically for someone who deals with chronic pain patients.  
I'm curious about your user name? why that name if it's personal no worries.

Take care Brian and keep in touch.  I'm online almost daily. If you don't hear from me you know I'm having an especially hard day.  Talk to you soon, Annette

[NoMoMeth4me]

I just want to thank you for your brave words and for sharing your story with me and so many others.
I'm a 44 year old male who 'looks' perfectly normal on the outside to many others but battle DAILY with irretractable chronic pain and like you did, I still wake up with daily pain and figure out how to eke my way through a 10-12 hr day being happy, positive and many other things and it almost brought me to tears when I read your words. Even with Fentanyl I struggle to exist in my life both at home and at work and it is literally tearing me to pieces and it really stinks to think that nobody understands that is in my life right now. I know there are many on MH who do understand but I barely have the strength or energy to get on here after working all day and was checking my email and saw a new post to this thread and thought I'd read it.
It's weird really, but in a funny way I don't see myself living a long life unless I make some tough life decisions that I don't know if I can make, I don't feel strong enough mentally or physically to face these giants in my life.
I could really use some prayer right now.
I'll close now.
Thanks again.
-Brian.

[concerned621]

My application took 4 years. I've had 7 surgeries, fibromyalgia since 1992.  Getting an attorney seems to be the only way to make it happen at least in my experience. I was sent for independent medical exams. One exam was at a nail salon. A doctor in his 80's rented space in the back of the salon.  His assistant was the receptionist. It was the most appalling and humiliating situation I'd been through.  My medical file was 2 inches thick.  He had not even looked at the file. While I was kept waiting almost 45 minutes for him, I thought maybe he was reviewing the file. I walked down the hall to go to the ladies room, he was coming out of the mens room where he had been the entire time.  So while in the exam room which was a massage room he leafed through my file and picked bits and pieces of my file which was 15 years of information from at least 6 doctors.  Which at the time included 5 surgeries and the years of FM. He was making voice notes and he would give a date and say "patient reported feeling better this day" or "patient didn't complain on this date."  I burst in to tears. Mainly from how utterly unfair and humiliating it all was. He  completely ignored me. That was the 3rd time my claim was denied and it was based on his exam.  How social security gets away with this is beyond belief. So the last and final time my attorney had a date set for my court case, I was denied so we were going to court.  My file was in the hands of the judge, my attorney didn't even know how or why. But I received a letter stating I had been awarded and it was over 1 year prior to my court case.  So the process can be grueling and it's no cake walk once you are on disability.  I went from $95,000.00 per year to so much less per year.  The upside is when I wake up and I am in daily pain I am not rushed to get out the door and drive to work and be stressed at work all day.  There is stigma attached to being on disability at my age, 48.  I have family and friends who ask, so when are you going back to work, or will you ever go back to work. And it's not always in a kind way.  It's rather accusatory at times.  The paperwork you fill out for disability is very difficult, it seems simple, answering questions about your pain and how your days go.  But the questions are repetitive and they are looking for how you answer the questions.  I got very confused as I suffer with confusion and find that very difficult anyway when I'm in so much pain and with FM.  So having an attorney is very important in my humble opinion

[tresa47]

I applied for SSD and was approved my first time through...it took me only about 4 months from the time I applied to the time I received my first check. I agree that you need to keep track of everything...and be persistent. Don't let them forget you. I even called my local congressman's office...they can help you at any stage of the game. Keep calling....make copies of your application....EVERYTHING.

It was such a relief to be approved the first time..you hear so many nightmare stories. I have RSD in both hands...working is not an  option for me..even though I would really like to. Best wishes to you! If I can help in any way..just holler..take care..Tresa

[tj701]

I agree with DandMe it is a long drawn out process it took me about a year after getting a lawyer.  It was explained to me that most everyone is denied in the beginning and those that don't give up are finally approved when they get their hearing before the magistrate. That is how it worked in my case.  You don't really need the lawyer until you get your first denial letter.  If you do have to file make sure you answer all correspondence and keep all appointments they make for you.  You will probably be sent to new doctors and a psychiatrist, at least the people I know that have filed had to.  Like I said if you fail to jump through all their hoops your claim will be dropped and you could have to start all over.  The good news is that when you are approved you will be paid back to the date you filed and possibly to when you were disabled. i hope I was able to help.      

[DandMe]

Appling for SSI is a long hard battle unless you document your pain/disablity every step of the way.  Make sure each and every dr. appt, procedure,medication and dx is wrote down.  I applied and recieved SSI for my bipolar, mentaly challenged child. The whole process was only 4 months long. I'm in Virginia. Not really sure how the laws differ from state to state. Good Luck
Mary